Enhancing the Smile with Porcelain Veneers vs. Dental Bonding

By Andrew Mortensen, DDS on May 02, 2017

It is important to maintain a smile that is strong and healthy. Strong teeth allow individuals to perform oral functions easily and comfortably. Healthy teeth also protect the delicate tissues at the center of the teeth to prevent dental complications such as root canal infections. Unfortunately, one thing that healthy teeth can’t do is guarantee the beauty of the smile. Even patients with the healthiest of smiles can be plagued by cosmetic blemishes. That is where cosmetic dentistry comes into play.

Cosmetic dentistry treatments address imperfections so that patients can enjoy a more beautiful smile. Two cosmetic dentistry treatments that are extremely popular are porcelain veneers and dental bonding. Each of these treatments enhances the appearance of the smile by concealing common oral flaws. However, the treatment process for each is very different. Dr. Andrew G. Mortensen discusses porcelain veneers vs. dental bonding with his Fountain Valley, CA patients and helps them determine which is right for them.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment because it allows patients to quickly enhance the appearance of the smile without spending a great amount of money. A dental bonding procedure can usually be completed in an hour or less, and it requires very little preparation of the natural teeth.

Dr. Mortensen will etch the surface of the tooth enamel to create a rough texture that will bond with the tooth-colored compound that is applied during treatment. This preparation does not permanently alter the teeth and is completely non-invasive. Once the teeth are ready, the tooth-colored compound can be applied to conceal a wide range of aesthetic imperfections, including tooth stains, discoloration, chips, cracks, and gapped teeth. Dental bonding can be a great option for patients who have minor to moderate flaws that require attention.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are an excellent option for patients who have more significant blemishes that require treatment, or those who have multiple flaws that they would like to address at once. Porcelain veneers are popular because they can completely make over the smile in just two dental appointments.

The first appointment will begin with the preparation of the teeth. Dr. Mortensen will need to remove a very thin layer of tooth enamel so that, once in place, the porcelain veneers will lie flush and blend in with any untreated teeth. After the teeth have been prepared they will be fitted with temporary veneers while the permanent veneers are fabricated.

Once the custom veneers are complete, a second appointment will be scheduled so the porcelain veneers can be bonded to the facial surface of the teeth. Although porcelain veneers are more costly than dental bonding and do require that the teeth be permanently altered, they can last up to 20 years and are extremely versatile. Porcelain veneers can improve the appearance of the teeth to address flaws such as stains, discoloration, chips, cracks, gapped teeth, misshapen teeth, and minor alignment problems.

Porcelain veneers and dental bonding are both great choices for patients who are interested in improving the appearance of the smile. Dr. Mortensen can examine patients’ teeth and listen to their unique cosmetic dentistry goals to determine which of these treatments is likely to be most successful in helping them achieve the smile they desire.

Schedule an Appointment

If you have cosmetic flaws that are detracting from the beauty of your smile, Dr. Andrew G. Mortensen can help. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services. Dr. Mortensen looks forward to putting together a personalized treatment plan that will allow you to achieve your aesthetic goals.

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“I am proud to have served patients in our community. Through continuing education and state-of-the-art equipment, we are able to offer you and your family the high level of care you're looking for.”
Andrew G. Mortensen, D.D.S.